What is NWSmart5.0?
NWSmart5.0 is a regional initiative supporting manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Greater Manchester and the North West to navigate the transition towards Industry 5.0.
Whilst Industry 4.0 introduced digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation, Industry 5.0 emphasises more than just technology. It focuses on human-centric innovation, sustainability, and resilience — all critical for future competitiveness.
The project addresses key barriers faced by manufacturing SMEs, including technological complexity, limited accessible knowledge, and uncertainty around secure and sustainable implementation.
Project Vision
The vision of NWSmart5.0 is to empower manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the North West to lead the next era of industrial transformation — one that is secure, smart, sustainable, and human-centric.
NWSmart5.0 seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, strengthen cyber resilience, and support the responsible adoption of AI and digital technologies in alignment with Industry 5.0 principles.
Interested in tailored SME support?
A limited number of manufacturing SMEs may be eligible for personalised consultation support.
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NWSmart5.0 brings together practical resources, guidance, and tools informed by recognised organisations supporting cybersecurity, safe AI adoption, digital transformation, and manufacturing innovation.
Our content draws on trusted frameworks, best practices, and publicly available guidance from organisations including:
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- Made Smarter UK
- UK Government
- OECD AI Principles
Designed to help manufacturing SMEs across Greater Manchester and the North West build secure, resilient, and future-ready operations.
What is Industry 5.0?
Industry 5.0 is the natural evolution of Industry 4.0. While Industry 4.0 brought digitalisation, automation, IoT, and AI for greater efficiency, Industry 5.0 goes further by placing people, sustainability, and resilience at the core of industrial transformation.
“Industry 5.0 is a sustainable, human-centric and resilient industry… It moves the focus from shareholder to stakeholder value… placing the wellbeing of the industry worker at the centre of the production process.”
The Three Core Pillars:
Technology serves people. Workers move from repetitive tasks to more creative, supervisory, and fulfilling roles. Emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion, diversity, and lifelong learning.
Production respects planetary boundaries — supporting the circular economy, resource efficiency, renewable energy, and the European Green Deal.
Building robust systems and supply chains that can withstand shocks such as cyber-attacks, pandemics, geopolitical issues, and climate events.
Why This Matters for North West SMEs
Manufacturing SMEs face real barriers — technological complexity, skills gaps, and uncertainty around secure implementation.
This Knowledge Hub bridges those gaps with practical, actionable resources so you can adopt smart technologies securely, responsibly, and sustainably.
What You’ll Find Here
- Best Practice Guides & Toolkits (Safe AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation)
- Workshop Recordings, Slides & Materials
- Digital Maturity & Risk Assessment Tools
- Real SME Case Studies from the North West
- Templates & Checklists tailored for manufacturing
- Peer Learning & Community Resources
Long-Term Commitment
This hub is hosted and maintained long-term by the University of Salford. It will continue to grow with new resources, tools, and case studies well beyond the project period.
Upcoming Events
Stay up to date with upcoming NWSmart5.0 workshops and events supporting manufacturing SMEs across the North West.
Safe Use of AI Workshop
Date to be confirmed
Workshop details will be announced shortly.
Coming SoonCatch Up on Our Workshops
Explore presentation slides and key resources from the NWSmart5.0 workshop series. Browse practical guidance on cybersecurity, safe AI, and digital transformation designed specifically for North West manufacturing SMEs.
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Blog Insights
Read practical insights on AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation for manufacturing SMEs.
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AI in Manufacturing SMEs: Driving Productivity and Efficiency in the Industry 5.0 Era
Explore how AI can support predictive maintenance, quality control, intelligent automation and human-centred Industry 5.0 adoption.
Cybersecurity Risks in AI-Driven Manufacturing
Coming soon: what SMEs need to know about cyber risks when using AI in manufacturing environments.
Building Trustworthy AI for Manufacturing SMEs
Coming soon: transparency, ethics and governance for responsible AI adoption.
Human-Centred Industry 5.0
Coming soon: how AI can empower workers rather than replace them.
Breque, M., De Nul, L., & Petridis, A. (2021). Industry 5.0: Towards a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry. European Commission.
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